Evans was named the new lead host after Jeremy Clarkson's widely publicised exit last year after punching a Top Gear producer. Regular hosts James May and Richard Hammond also left the top-rated programme.

Rumours of staff walkouts and on-set car crashes have plagued the reboot, which is said to feature an all-new look and format.

The new Top Gear will air in the UK in May; the New Zealand screening date on Prime is yet to be confirmed.